How do we know if we have spiritual life?

Spiritual life is affirmed through faith alone, as it transcends our physical feelings or experiences. According to Romans 8, being spiritually alive means being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who bears witness to our inner life. This assurance does not necessarily manifest through feelings of happiness or comfort. In fact, a believer may often experience grief over their sinfulness and the complexities of life. 1 John emphasizes that recognizing our sins and needing Christ’s cleansing blood is a vital sign of spiritual life.

Moreover, the ongoing struggle against sin and the flesh showcases a transformation that has taken place. As Galatians 5:17 describes, the flesh and the Spirit are in constant conflict. Therefore, believers should not solely rely on their emotional state or visible manifestations to ascertain their spiritual life; instead, they should have confidence grounded in their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The measure of spiritual life is ideally reflected in our reliance on God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.